LA GRANDE — The Pub Crawl is back! This year La Grande Main Street Downtown is doing things a little differently, adding food specials and a non-alcoholic drink called a “mocktail” for those who choose not to drink but still wish to participate.

Participants will be going from business to business and having a drink and something to eat at each place with groups of people, making stops at multiple locations in one evening. This event involves walking or public transport.

The event begins on Friday, March 17, at 6 p.m. Once registered, you will take your receipt to Market Place Fresh Foods, where a shuttle bus will take you to your first destination. You will receive one sticker for a mocktail or a cocktail purchase and one for a food purchase. Those will be entered into a drawing for gift cards from every participating business.

The first 50 people to sign up will receive a special Shamrock cup. Everyone will get a koozie, a stamp book and a lanyard for discounts. All are included in the $15 participation fee. Register through a link on the LGMSD Facebook page, at their website www.lagrandemainstreet.org or stop by 102 Depot St.

Here are some tips for completing a pub crawl — eat and hydrate (be sure to drink some water) and take your time to enjoy the event. Leave your keys home and bring your best St. Patty’s Day costume.

Shamrock Shuffle

LGMSD is also hosting the Shamrock Shuffle the next day, Saturday, March 18. The 10K starts at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:30 a.m.

There will be a DJ, some games, finish line photos by Beyond the Lens Photograph, and discounts at downtown businesses with a race bib all day.

Register for either race at their website, on Facebook, or at 102 Depot St. The 5K is $30 with a $3.55 fee, and the 10K is $50 with a $4.75 fee.

Support

Proceeds from these events help LGMSD continue its non-profit mission to support the economic development of downtown and keep putting on events. They have a board and committee members and are always looking for volunteers.

“I would like to give a huge shoutout to Angie Brown Harris at Be Well Studio. She is the brainchild of the marathon and has done an excellent job getting it up and going. As well as Joyce Colson, our marketing assistant who put all this stuff together,” said LGMSD Executive Director Monica McLaughlin.